Singani, Bolivia

October 21, 2019 SouthAmerica

Singani is a Bolivian clear brandy variant that is very similar to Peru’s Pisco. It has a sweeter and floral taste, best appreciated straight up in a brandy sipping glass.

Grapes were introduced to Bolivia, as in other countries in South America, by the Spaniards back in the XVI century. The Singani flavor is similar to the Pisco, its variety called Pisco Italia.

Singani does not come under the strict manufacturing laws of Peru that stipulate the conditions under which the brandy variant may be termed Pisco. We have been traveling through South America for nearly 18 years before coming across Singani on our fourth trip to La Paz.

The bartender at the Hotel Europa asked us if we had tried Singani, and of course we were confused and had to ask what it was. The Europa bar is strategically placed on approximately the 15^th floor of the hotel with a commanding view of upper La Paz valley.

Many city lights were shinning through the banks of windows from both sides of the bar that formed an island in the center of the room. No other patrons were present midweek, and the bartender seemed to find us entertaining.

We sipped the Sangani, appreciating it, but failing to note the brand that he poured. Plus we were a little distracted with the bar’s special of the month, tropical drinks served in homemade Tikihead glasses.

We were thinking to buy a bottle to carry back to the states but other adventures quickly had our minds elsewhere. Now, three years later we stumbled across a singular bottle of Singani 63 in Littleton, Colorado at a large liquor store called Tipsy’s. It was an immediate must purchase item that we never dreamed could be found here in the States.

Singani uses distillation from a single grape variety of White Muscat of Alexandria, lending to the strong aromatics. If you are able to find Singani in the USA, Canada, or Europe try making Bolivia’s Chuflay cocktail.

Chuflay is to Bolivia what Pisco Sours are to Peru and Chile. Another very enjoyable cocktail made with Singani is Yungueño, which is original to the Yungas region in the Bolivian valleys. Find recipes on our old post Happy Hour in South America Next time throwing a dinner party, try toasting with Singani, a brandy-style liqueur from the Bolivian Andes.

We highly recommend if you enjoy brandy to taste this variety of Singani if you find it imported in your home country, or better yet, seek it out while traveling in Bolivia. Keep in mind, like all other liqueurs coming from third-world countries, the cheap stuff is not worth buying and Singani is likely to come in many local brands and prices; look for the top-shelf brands.

Finally, Singani 63 brand is an enjoyable straight-up as many of the top-priced Piscos that we have tried (and this list is ample). For more about Pisco check our old post on Pisco. Try the Singani while traveling in Bolivia because it is part of the country experience; it is their little discussed and almost secret national drink.